lowthorp



@uitrit F. C. LOWTH-ORP, OF TRE NTO N,` NEW JERSEY;

eters Patent No. 62,278, dared February 19, 1867.

IMPROVEMENT IN TRUSS-IRAME BRIDGES.

TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

Be it known thatI, F. C. LowrHoRP, of Trenton, Mercer county, New Jersey, have invented an Improvement in TrussFramesfor Bridges, A queducts, `ttc.; and I do hereby declare the `following to be a full, clear, and yexact description ofthe same, reference being had to the accompanying drawing, and tothe letters of reference marked thereon. i

'My invention consists of a casting, constructed and arranged for the reception of the diagonals, and secured to or forming a part of. the upper and lower portions of a vertical of a truss frame for a bridge, aquednct, Snc., all substantially as described hereafter, so as to form a substantial, rigid, and ornamental part of the said vertical, and one which perm-its the arrangement of thediagonals in juxtaposition to each other, andnearly in linewith the centre of the verticfththe casting at the same time serving to exclude rain and snow fromtheinterior of the lower portion of the vertical.

In order to enable others skilled in the construction of truss-frame bridges, aq'ueducts, &c., to make my invention, I will now proceed to describe the manner of carrying it `into effect, reference being 11nd1 to the accompanying drawing, in whichx Figure 1 represents a side view of part of the vertical of a truss-framebridge with my improvement.

Figure 2, an end view; and

Figure 3, a sectional plan on the line 1, 2, iig. 2.

Similar letters refer to similar'parts throughout the lseveral views.

In the construction of truss-frame bridges it is-usual to make the vertical parts of cast or wrought iron,

and in one or more pieces, as circumstances may require,`the diagonals and counter diagonals passing', on each side of the vertical, or through openings or recesses prepared in `the same.

My improved vertical consists-oi` three or more pieces, the upper column A, lower column A', and the intermediate casting B. `This casting is composed of thc two plates d and d', on the outside of each of which are two strengthening ribs, e e; and between the plates are the two webs ff, separated from each other by an opening, h, through which pass the diagonal and counter-diagonal :v and ,shown by red lines in g. 1. The intermediate casting terminates above in the circular plate 6, adapted and secured by bolts m to the fiange a of the'upper portion A of the vertical, there being at the lower end of the intermediate casting a similar plate, b', adjusted and secured by bolts m to the lower portion Aof the vertical. The casting, thus constructed, and properly strengthened by the ribs described, aifords a substantial, rigid, and ornamental piece for each vertical,

and at the same time permits the arrangement of the diagonals in juxtaposition to each other,` and nearly in line with the centre of the vertical. Atthe same time the lower plate b of the intermediate casting serves to cover the top of the lower portion A of' the vertical, and to exclude the rai-n and snow from its 'interior-an important feature, as the lodgment of water in recesses of castings in truss-frame bridges, especially where such recesses are not accessible to the painters brush, has a most deteriorating effect, and endangers the per`- manency and safety of the bridge or other structure. It will be seen that the casting described is of such construction that it can be readily coated with paint, to protect it `from these injurious ei`ects. In sonic instances the casting B may be cast with and form 'a p11-rt of the upper and lower portion A and A ofthc vertical.

I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patcnt- The casting B, constructed and arranged for the reception of lthe dingonals, and secured to or` forming part of the upper and lower portions and A of the vertical of a. truss-frame bridge, aqueduct, rbc., all substantially as and forthe purpose herein set forth. i

In testimony whereofI have signed my naine to this speciticationin the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

` fr. e. Low'ruonr;

Witnesses:

H. HowsoN, WM. HALL Waxman. 

